In Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick – a Review

In Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick – a Review

 

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Description:
When everything has gone to the dogs . . .

When Jocelyn Hillier is named legal guardian for the late Mr. Allardyce’s pack of pedigreed Labrador retrievers, her world is flipped upside down. She’s spent her entire life toiling in the tourism industry in Black Dog Bay and never expected to be living the pampered life of a seasonal resident in an ocean side mansion, complete with a generous stipend. But her new role isn’t without its challenges: The dogs (although lovable) are more high-maintenance than any Hollywood diva, the man she wants to marry breaks her heart, and she’s confronted at every turn by her late benefactor’s estranged son, Liam, who thinks he’s entitled to the inheritance left to the dogs.

Jocelyn has worked too hard to back down without a fight, and she’s determined to keep her new fur family together. As she strives to uphold the “Best in Show” standards her pack requires, Jocelyn finds love, family, and forgiveness in the most unexpected places

 

 

Review:

In Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick is the 5th book in her Black Dog Bay series.   I have not read this series before, and it reads very well as a standalone.

We meet our heroine, Jocelyn Hillier, a resident of Black Dog Bay, who works with her mom in a business cleaning sheets, towels, etc for various businesses.  Black Dog Bay is a unique town, known as   the place to get over any heartbreak, especially with stores named Whinery, Eat your Heart Out bakery, just to name a few.   While running, Jocelyn comes to the rescue of two dogs who were about to get run over by a speeding car.  The eccentric wealthy owner of the dogs offers Jocelyn a job to exercise and walk the dogs (they are show dogs) daily. 

A year later, the owner dies, and he left everything to the dogs, with the care of the dogs, including a stipend to live in his mansion to Jocelyn, with her in control of the money.  The dogs are a handful, but she loves them, and enjoys the perks of living in the mansion.  Jocelyn has to continue to help the dog trainer, despite her attitude, to keep breeding and going to shows.  

A short time after the reading of the will, Jocelyn is accosted by the deceased owner’s son, who was not happy to find out that a dog walker was given full access to the estate.  Liam approaches Jocelyn to tell her he is going to fight for his inheritance, even though he had no relationship with his father.  Needless to say, they both do not start off on good terms.

What follows is a sweet fun story line, as we watch the slow burn romance build between Jocelyn and Liam. It was fun to see how Liam helps Jocelyn with the dogs, especially during one of the dog’s birth of puppies.  The secondary characters were very good; Jocelyn’s mom, Liam’s mom (who both hit it off, which was kind of hysterical), and her best friend, Bree, who was an awesome friend. 

Things get difficult, when the dog trainer threatens to fight for custody, just when Liam and Jocelyn are coming to terms in working together.  But this is a feel good uplifting story, which was very enjoyable.  Beth Kendrick wrote a sweet light heartwarming story,with a great couple, romance, some wacky characters, and wonderful cute dogs.  What’s not to love?

In Dog we Trust is a fun book to read, and very well done by Beth Kendrick. The only thing I would have improved was the quick ending, which I thought needed a bit more detail.  But overall an enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The RiverCliffe Legacy by Dee Ernst – a Review

The RiverCliffe Legacy by Dee Ernst – a Review

 

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Description:
“That is not a ghost story. That is the RiverCliffe legacy.” She looked at me, her eyes gentle. “Do you find that hard to believe?”

Three years after her divorce, Risa Armitage is still trying to get back on her feet. Living in the basement of her mother’s brownstone with three kids, one bathroom and no cross ventilation is not her—or her three kids’—ideal.

When the family of the father that she never knew leaves her a surprise inheritance, RiverCliffe, Risa knows her prayers have been answered. She plans a quick trip up to the Hudson Valley to check out the inn and the surrounding farm before figuring out what to do with her newfound wealth.

But when the long weekend results in a summer retreat, and Risa begins to realize there’s more to RiverCliffe than just a source of income. Her kids are each finding a place to fit in, and she’s finding the local sheriff has a lot more going for him that just keeping the peace. Then there’s the crazy story about all the Cliffe women from the past, and the graveyard right next door…

As Risa learns more about the history of RiverCliffe, and the father who abandoned her, the more she realizes her future is not just determined by who she is now. With humor, warmth, a little help from the beyond, she learns that to move forward means to accept her place among a line of women all blessed—or cursed—with the RiverCliffe Legacy.

 

 

Review:

Risa Armitage is living in her mother’s basement with her three kids, after a rough divorce. The kids are absolutely miserable after leaving their life and friends behind to move in with their grandmother.  While contemplating what to do with her children for the summer break and a tight budget, Risa gets word that she has inherited Rivercliffe, a resort destination in upstate New York. She has inherited the property from her father’s mother, Cathy Newsome, with whom she had never met. Risa decides to visit for a weekend just to see exactly what she has inherited. 

Once she arrived, the kids have an amazing change of attitude and fall in love with everything RiverCliffe.  Each child finding a niche and a place to belong. When the children beg their mother to come and stay for the summer, Risa has no idea what staying at RiverCliffe would mean. And there are secrets at RiverCliffe!  Secrets that are spoken if freely but Risa has a hard time believing in them. 

Can Risa begin to embrace all that is her inheritance?  On the property there is an old cemetery and all the women that are descendants of Gemina Cliffe supposedly have an amazing ability.  One that allows them to speak to those who are residents of the cemetary. Risa doesn’t quite believe  in the stories, even when she is told that it is her legacy! 

This story is about a broken mother struggling to find her place in the world after a rough divorce. While the divorce shook her to the core, she is strong, resilient and bound by the love of her children!  RiverCliffe is so beautifully written that you wish this was an actual place that you could visit yourself and explore. 

I loved how each of Risa’s children after struggling with the aftermath of a rough divorce, find their place and their path at RiverCliffe! And while the children begin to feel whole again, so does Risa! Finding herself while exploring her father’s family that she knew nothing about! 

This is not a ghost story but a story of discovery, of family and of finding your way in the world. The RiverCliff Legacy by Dee Ernst was beautifully written!  Spellbinding! 

Reviewed by Erin

Copy supplied for Review

 

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Beauchamp Hall by Danielle Steel – a Review

Beauchamp Hall by Danielle Steel – a Review

 

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Description:
Winona Farmington once dreamed of graduating from college, moving to New York City, and pursuing a career in publishing. Then real life got in the way when she left college and returned to her small Michigan hometown to care for her sick mother.

Years later, stuck in a dead-end job and an unsatisfying relationship, Winnie has concluded that dreams were meant for others. She consoles herself with binge-watching the British television series that she loves, Beauchamp Hall, enthralled by the sumptuous period drama set on a great Norfolk estate in the 1920s. The rich upstairs-downstairs world brilliantly brought to life by superb actors is the ultimate in escapism.

On the day Winnie is passed over for a long-overdue promotion, she is also betrayed by her boyfriend and her best friend. Heartbroken, she makes the first impulsive decision of her conventional life—which changes everything.

She packs her bags and flies to England to see the town where Beauchamp Hall is filmed. The quaint B & B where she stays feels like home. The brother and sister who live in the castle where the show is filmed, rich in titles but poor in cash, are more like long-lost friends than British nobility. And the show itself, with its colorful company and behind-the-scenes affairs, is a drama all its own. Winnie’s world comes alive on the set of the show.

What happens next is the stuff of dreams, as Winnie takes the boldest leap of all. Beauchamp Hall reminds us to follow our dreams. . . . You never know what magic will happen!

 

 

Review:

Beauchamp Hall by Danielle Steele is another one of her trademark romantic stories with wonderful characters and life changing events.

Winona (Winnie) Farmington, our heroine, has given up her dreams to take care of her dying mother, and now lives in her Michigan home, with a boyfriend and a job that is going nowhere.   When her boss passes her over for a promotion, and Winnie finds her boyfriend in bed with her best friend, she decides it’s time to change things in her docile life, and does the unexpected.  Winnie had recently discovered the famous UK TV show, Beauchamp Hall (similar to Downton Abbey) and after obsessively watching all the episodes, she makes a rash decision; she quits her job, takes out some of her savings to fly to England and visit the town and the castle where Beauchamp Hall is filmed.  Winnie rents a room at a B&B near the castle, and in a short time falls in love with the surrounding  village, the people, and manages to get hired for a part time job as an extra for the filming at the Castle.

Winnie finds herself enjoying meeting the cast and crew, as well as the owners (brother and sister) of the castle. Even in the extra job as a gofer, her organizational ability shows, and she eventually gets a full time job working for the female star, as an assistant.  She is happy, making friends and has no intention of going home.  The pay has improved as an assistant, and just when things are looking up, the show decides not to renew after this current season, as they lost a number of stars to other shows. 

Winnie is a wonderful heroine, and I really enjoyed how she began to explore more options using her own talents; and this would lead to a sweet fairy tale ending.  It was fun to see Winnie befriend the brother and sister, and work with them to help them keep the Castle afloat with her ideas.  It was such a sweet satisfying conclusion as Winnie will fulfill her dreams and find her happy ever after.  I really enjoyed Beauchamp Hall, with a wonderful heroine, great secondary characters and the fun to be able to see that dreams can really come true.  Once again Danielle Steele gives us an enjoyable read, which I suggest you read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Married For His One-Night Heir by Jennifer Hayward – Review & Giveaway

Married For His One-Night Heir by Jennifer Hayward – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Commanding Santo Di Fiore is stunned to see Giovanna Castiglione again. Her unexpected appearance at his luxurious party in the Bahamas leaves him craving answers. Why, after that one forbidden encounter, did she leave? But when Gia reveals their secret consequence, Santo won’t let her go a second time. The Italian will claim his son—and Gia as his wife!

Experience the passion in this marriage of convenience romance

 

 

Review:

Married for His One-Night Heir begins with Giovanna Castiglione, (Gia), in her boss’ office in the Bahamas discussing interior designs for a new property her boss is proposing.  Gia’s boss invites her to a party that evening, where she’ll be hosting prospective investors.  Gia reluctantly accepts, but only after she gets her son to bed.  Once she spends time with her son and gets him tucked in, she heads to the party.  However, once she arrives at the party, she spots none other than Santo Di Fiore.  She tries to duck and evade him, but Santo has questions………lots of questions.  Gia has been in hiding from her infamous mob father, and come to find out, hiding from Santo as well. 

Santo has tried to get Gia out of his mind for a very long time.  After all, he’s known for his playboy ways, but what most don’t know is that there is one woman he can’t get out of his head……..Gia Castiglione.  Once he approaches her, their worlds are changed forever.  Not only do they share a son that Santo knew nothing about, but the demands he’s making of her will force her out of hiding and her comfort zone.  Oh, and by the way, no one says no to a Di Fiore.

Married for His One-Night Heir is the final installment in The Powerful Di Fiore Tycoons trilogy, and it does not disappoint.  Your heart will break for Gia and the life that had been forced upon her that forced her into hiding.  She is fierce in her protectiveness of her son, for whom she has vowed will never be exposed to the things she was as a child and young adult.  To say Santo was shocked to his soul finding out he had a son would be a gross understatement, and I didn’t like his heavy handedness when it came to the ultimatums he gave Gia regarding their son, but I understood them.  Once he gets past the hurt and really focuses on him and Gia and their son though?  Swoonworthy……. I loved his protective nature and I loved the chemistry between he and Gia.  When you read the scenes with him and his son, you’re heart will melt. 

Married for His One-Night Heir is a story about second chances and ultimately having to lower the walls they’ve erected trying to protect themselves.  Once they figure out they don’t have to hide their true selves from each other?  Sweet baby Jesus…………  This was a wonderfully written end to the trilogy, but that statement makes me a little sad.  If you’re a lover of this genre, you’ll NEVER go wrong with one of Hayward’s stories.  Well done, Jennifer Hayward!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for review

 

Award-winning author JENNIFER HAYWARD has been a fan of romance and adventure since filching her sister’s Harlequin Presents novels to escape her teenaged angst.

Jennifer penned her first romance at nineteen. When it was rejected, she bristled at her mother’s suggestion that she needed more life experience. She went on to complete a journalism degree and intern as a sports broadcaster before settling into a career in public relations. Years of working alongside powerful, charismatic CEOs and traveling the world provided perfect fodder for the arrogant alpha males she loves to write, and free research on some of the world’s most glamorous locales.

A suitable amount of life experience under her belt, she sat down and conjured up the sexiest, most delicious Italian wine magnate she could imagine, had him make his biggest mistake and gave him a wife on the run. That story, The Divorce Party, won her Harlequin’s 2012 So You Think You Can Write contest and a book contract. Turns out, Mother knew best.

With the first item on her bucket list complete, Jennifer is working her way through the rest. She put #2 in the bag when she talked her way into the jump seat of an Airbus for landing on a flight from San Jose to Toronto. Complete with headphones and a flight plan the only thing missing was a follow-up date with the Robert Redford lookalike pilot. Figuring #3 – walking the runway as an angel at the Victoria’s Secret Christmas fashion show – is not likely to happen, she’s concentrating on #s 4 & 5, which include touring Australia and building a dream beach house in Barbados.

An Amazon Top 100 Bestselling author, Jennifer is the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Best Harlequin Presents for 2014 winner for her novel, The Magnate’s Manifesto, which also received a Harlequin Junkie Top Pick award for 2014. She is also a New Jersey Romance Writers of America Golden Leaf Contest finalist in Short Contemporary Romance.

A native of Canada’s gorgeous East coast, Jennifer lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia with her Viking husband and their young Viking-in-training.

 

 

Jennifer is graciously offering a copy of her trilogy The Powerful Di Fiore Tycoons and a $20.00 Amazon Gift Card to (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Good Luck With That by Kristan Higgins – Review & Giveaway

Good Luck With That by Kristan Higgins – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Emerson, Georgia, and Marley have been best friends ever since they met at a weight-loss camp as teens. When Emerson tragically passes away, she leaves one final wish for her best friends: to conquer the fears they still carry as adults.

For each of them, that means something different. For Marley, it’s coming to terms with the survivor’s guilt she’s carried around since her twin sister’s death, which has left her blind to the real chance for romance in her life. For Georgia, it’s about learning to stop trying to live up to her mother’s and brother’s ridiculous standards, and learning to accept the love her ex-husband has tried to give her.

But as Marley and Georgia grow stronger, the real meaning of Emerson’s dying wish becomes truly clear: more than anything, she wanted her friends to love themselves.

 

 

Review:

Good Luck with That by Kristan Higgins is a standalone novel.   I have read Higgins before and have always enjoyed reading her books.  Good Luck with That is a different type of story, which I did enjoy parts of it, but I did have mixed feelings.  The subject is somewhat of a taboo, revolving around body shaming and eating disorders.

Georgia, Marley and Emerson met as teenagers at a camp for those with weight issues; they had a common bond and became best friends.  The story switches to the present, 35 years later, and Emerson contacts the girls to visit her in the hospital.  Both Georgia and Marley are shocked at how Emerson looks, since they have not seen her in 5 years or so, and now she is grossly overweight (350 lbs or more). Emerson knows she is dying, as her organs are beginning to fail, and gives her friends an envelope that has instructions that she implores them to read and follow after her death. Both Georgia and Marley grieve their friend’s death, and feel guilty that they didn’t check on her.

The story is in the POV of Georgia and Marley, as well as Emerson’s thoughts (from a diary). The sheet that Emerson put in the envelope was a list they made as teenagers, of what they would do when they were Skinny, and both Georgia and Marley will attempt to reach some of those goals. 

Georgia is a former successful lawyer, who is now a nursery school teacher; and Marley is a personal chef (delivers food to clients).  They have remained best friends, and help each other with family and weight/eating disorders.   Marley is a bit overweight, but she has come to terms to feel comfortable in her skin.  She is active, and loves her family, but still feels the pain of losing her twin (4 years old) that her parents can’t move past. 

Georgia is thin now, especially since she has an ulcer. Her issues are with her family; a mother who looks anorexia and pushes her to lose weight; a nasty belligerent brother, who always puts her down; and a nephew she loves who tried to commit suicide.  She was married to a great guy, who was a restaurateur, and he treated her like a queen; but because she hated herself and her body, she couldn’t accept his devotion as true.  Eventually they divorced.  But as Georgia begins to come to terms with herself, and with Marley’s wonderful healthy cooking, she realizes she lost the man of her dreams.

I really liked Georgia and Marley, as well as Mason (the nephew) and Rafe, Georgia’s ex.   At first I wasn’t sure about Will (a loner who never leaves the house, and one of Marley’s clients), but once he fell in love with Marley, it was great to watch him overcome his own issue of PSTD.

My mixed feelings are how difficult it was to read at some points, especially with the POV of Emerson.  It was sad, depressing and uncomfortable to see how their insecurities dictated their lives; how they were rudely treated by some others to the point of being offensive.   Early on I wasn’t sure if I would continue to read this book, but I am glad I did finish it.  It was an emotional and difficult read at times, and at the same time heartwarming to see the friendship bond between Georgia and Marley; and the family dynamics for both of them. 

Good Luck with That had two wonderful characters in Georgia & Marley and that this story was about friendship, family, love, relationships, self-confidence and acceptance.  Kristan Higgins writing was very good, as she also created sweet vulnerable characters that were great. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Kristan’s publisher is offering a paper copy of GOOD LUCK WITH THAT to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry – a Review

How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry – a Review

 

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Description:
Everyone has a story . . . but will they get the happy ending they deserve?

Emilia has just returned to her idyllic Cotswold hometown to rescue the family business. Nightingale Books is a dream come true for book-lovers, but the best stories aren’t just within the pages of the books she sells – Emilia’s customers have their own tales to tell.

There’s the lady of the manor who is hiding a secret close to her heart; the single dad looking for books to share with his son but who isn’t quite what he seems; and the desperately shy chef trying to find the courage to talk to her crush . . .

And as for Emilia’s story, can she keep the promise she made to her father and save Nightingale Books?

 

 

Review:

How to Find Love in a Bookshop by Veronica Henry is a sweet story that takes place in a Cotswold town, with the backdrop of the story revolving around a bookshop.  Emilia Nightingale, our heroine, returns home to Peasebrook, as her father is dying; he makes her promise on his deathbed, to keep Nightingale Books open.

Emilia learns quickly that the shop is in debt, and the local realtor is determined to buy her out.  Emilia, though things are rough, plans to keep the promise she made to her father.  The story not only focuses on Emilia, but also on many residents of Peasebrook, who loved her father and the bookshop.  It is these wonderful characters, as well as Emilia who make this a heartwarming feel good story.  Emilia learns how much her father, Julius, meant to all of them, and how their lives were enriched.  We learn about some of those people, such as Sarah, who daughter is getting married; but is she marrying the right man.  Sarah was also very close to Julius, with some secrets that could never be told.  I also enjoyed getting to know some of the other wonderful characters such as Alice, Bea, Thomasina, Dillion, just to name a few.  Each of them visit the bookshop often, confide in Emilia and also do what they can to help her keep the shop open

To get a full background of the Nightingale Books, we get flashbacks with Julius; his wife, how he starts the shop, and his loyalty and friendship with the townsfolk. Another wonderful aspect was the book suggestions that were given to customers/friends, which also had a quaint old fashion look.  Giving us a wonderful trip down memory lane for many books.

Veronica Henry has written a story that allows us to look at a quaint bookstore, in a small town, with wonderful characters.  How to Find Love in a Bookshop had a book background theme, but it was also about family, friendship, grief and love.  If you are a book lover, I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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His Million-Dollar Marriage Proposal by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

His Million-Dollar Marriage Proposal by Jennifer Hayward – a Review

 

 

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Description:
“I have a business proposition for you.” Sealed with a million-dollar ring!To win the most important deal of his life, Lazzero Di Fiore needs a fake fianc�e. He strikes a pact with his gorgeous but guarded local barista Chiara: he’ll save her father from bankruptcy, if she agrees to wear his ring! But any convenience is consumed by their explosive attraction. Now Lazzero is determined to see his diamond on Chiara’s finger–for good!

 

Review:

This installment of The Di Fiore Tycoons series begins with Lazzero Di Fiore needing to close a huge deal with a competitor company. He’s promised his Board, so now, he needs to make it happen. The problem? Said competitor is married to one of Lazzero’s exes, who just so happens to still be in love with him.

When he enters his favorite coffee house, and spots Chiara, he starts to formulate a plan. As he overhears Chiara’s take on wealthy businessmen, he decides that she’d be perfect for what he has in mind: her to accompany him to Europe posing as his fiancé. Chiara isn’t looking for a relationship and Lazarro surely isn’t either. He’s more of a ‘love ‘em and leave ’em happy’ kind of guy.

Chiara, who is in need of money to help her father, accepts Lazarro’s offer. What neither of them counted on was the growing attraction that has been there for about as long as he’s been coming into the coffee shop. However, when past loves emerge and secrets are revealed, they both have some serious soul searching to do…..

His Million-Dollar Marriage Proposal is another wonderfully written story by Jennifer Hayward. The characters are engaging and pull you in from the beginning. Chiara’s emotions are beautifully written and her stubbornness, along with her underlying vulnerability, will have readers falling in love with her. Lazarro has more going on that initially meets the eye. Damaged by his parents’ disaster of a marriage, your heart will ache reading his reasons for being so guarded with his heart. But, when the two come together, the chemistry leaps off the page. If you’re not reading Hayward’s works, you’re sorely missing out. Well done, Jennifer Hayward!! Very, very well done! I can’t wait for the next one………..

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for review

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Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Brant Wylder is a bachelor and loving it! He’s in Misty Bottoms, Georgia, property-hunting for his vintage car repair shop when he gets the call. His sister’s been in an accident, and Brant has to drop everything and take care of his five-month-old nephew. That’s the end of the bachelor lifestyle.

Bridal boutique owner Molly Stiles is all business all the time, until she sees that Brant’s in trouble. In this Southern town, nobody ever has to go it alone. And besides, how can she resist that beautiful baby in the arms of a beautiful man…?

 

 

Review:

Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin is the first book in her new Must Love Babies series. This series takes place in the same town as her previous Magnolia Brides series, in Misty Bottoms, Georgia.   Many of the characters from that series play a big part in this one, which will focus on the Wylder brothers.

Brant Wylder, our hero, is attending a wedding in Misty Bottoms, and finds himself attracted to one of the ladies at Magnolia Brides, who are handling the wedding.   But Brant has to leave early, as he gets a call that his sister was in a car accident.  In a short time, Brant, who is happy enjoying his carefree life as a bachelor, will find his life has drastically changed.  His sister will be in the process of a long rehabilitation, and he now must take care of his 5 month old nephew, Jax.   Brant finds himself handling something he knows nothing about, and his two brothers are of no help, being out of town on business. 

Molly Stiles, our heroine, is the newest member of Magnolia Brides, having opened up a bridal boutique.  Molly has a list that defines her timetable for the future, and becoming serious about a man is not on the list for a few years; her business is the most important thing in her life.  She does find Brant attractive, but tries to fight it off.  However, Molly feels bad when she sees Brant having a hard time, and decides to help him.

What follows is a slow build romance between two people who are destined to be together, but determined to fight it off.  On top of this, is baby Jax, who is such a joy to watch and to see how much both Brant and Molly have fallen in love with this precious baby.

Brant was a wonderful hero, and I loved every moment of his learning to change diapers, trying to feed him, and play with his nephew; they were so awesome together.  Molly was a bit tough early on, determined not to let herself get hurt, as her feelings for Brant were becoming stronger.  Though at times early on, I found her a little annoying, I absolutely loved her time with baby Jax.  They too were awesome together.   I guess we can say that Jax is the one who brings them together, as it was very sweet watching them with him, always pulling on our heart strings.   Austin did such a great job writing this wonderful story and making us adore Jax.

Besides the romance between Brant and Molly, the story has some issues each will have to get past.   Brant and his two brothers have decided to move to Misty Bottoms to open a car shop, where they repair and design specialized cars. Brant also tries to help his sister, whose accident was due to her drinking.    Molly also has an issue with her father, who left her years before; causing her fear of being hurt and not allowing her to follow her heart with Brant.  These issues all play a big part of the story.

Having been a fan of Austin’s writing in Magnolia Brides, I am happy to say I really enjoy Must Have Babies, and look forward to the next book.  If you enjoy pure romances, small town atmosphere, great secondary characters, cute babies and wonderful couples, you need to read this series ( I suggest you read Magnolia Brides).

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Molly stood beneath a magnolia tree, her face tipped to catch the moonlight. The breath caught in his throat, and for one fanciful second, Brant imagined a mythical princess or fairy.

He shook his head. The woman was real, and he wanted a dance, wanted to hold her in his arms. A little flirting? Harmless.
Stepping out of the shadows, he made his way to her.
“Beautiful night, huh?”
“Perfect.” Slowly, she turned, a smile on her face.
“How about a dance?”
She hesitated.
“I’m not asking for a lifelong commitment, sugar. Just a single dance under the stars. The night’s made for dancing.”
“It is, isn’t it?”
He caught her hand in his, amazed at its softness against his work-roughened one. “In the interest of full disclosure, I’m not the world’s greatest dancer, but you shouldn’t lose any toes.” He glanced at her sequined stilettos, showcased by her cocktail-length dress. “Don’t know how you even walk in those, let alone put on the miles you do, but I have to say that all mankind is grateful.”
Smiling, Molly peeked at her shoes. “They’re awesome, aren’t they?”
He nodded. “You can dance in them?”
“I could run a marathon in these.”
“Okay, then.” The moon shone through Spanish moss that dripped from the live oaks, forming a lacy pattern on the dewy grass.
Kelly Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This” played over the sound system. Reaching the dance floor, Brant slid an arm around her waist and drew her in, breathed in her scent. He swung her out and brought her back in one smooth motion, felt her quick laugh in the pit of his stomach. The music slowed when the band segued into John Legend’s “All of Me,” and he drew her close.
Molly fit perfectly in his arms. She lived in Georgia and he in Tennessee, and that made her safe. And if the plans he and his brothers were working on panned out? Still nothing to worry about since she lived in Savannah. When she rested her head against his chest, he wondered if she could hear the rapid thump of his heart. Ms. Molly was hot, hot, hot.
His hand slid a little lower, and without missing a beat, she relocated it to her waist.
Molly smelled of a midnight garden with just a touch of naughty. His body responded, and he willed himself to think about something else. “How’s the city?”
“Savannah?” She shrugged. “I live in Misty Bottoms now. I opened a bridal boutique. Today’s bride was my first.” She grinned, dimples creasing her cheeks.
The dance ended, and he reluctantly released Molly. “I’m driving back to Tennessee tomorrow.”
“Speaking of driving, thanks for taxiing the last of the rehearsal dinner’s partiers home last night. I heard they celebrated pretty hard at Duffy’s.”
“No problem.”
“I need to stop at my car before I go back inside. I left the little silver heart I attach to the bridal gown’s garment bag in my glove box.”
Brant walked beside her in the soft night air, a hand at her elbow, while the band played Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You.”
He lowered his head. “Before we call it a night, I’d love to see the rose garden our friend Cole salvaged.”
“What a mess, but after a lot of hard work it’s incredible again.”
The scent of roses surrounding them, they strolled through the yard. In the silver light of the moon, the flowers glowed and took on an almost magical, fairy-tale illusion. The house shimmered and welcomed, like the true Southern lady she was. Interlacing his fingers with Molly’s, peace enveloped Brant.
They wandered across the expanse of lawn and through the blooms in comfortable silence.
From the parking area, he heard the sound of engines starting, of tires crunching on the long drive. “Looks like it’s about time for lights-out. We’d better head back so you can finish up.”
A slight breeze caused Molly to shiver, and happy for the excuse, Brant wrapped an arm around her and pulled her a little closer, surprised when she didn’t pull away.
Reaching her yellow-and-white Mini Countryman, he made to open her door, then changed his mind, leaned in and gave her a quick kiss, one that should have been impersonal. Friendly. Instead, fire shot through him.
He pulled back, unsure whether he should be relieved or horrified that the expression on her face mirrored his own stampeding feelings. Clearing his throat, he said, “I’m taking care of a few loose ends in the morning, then heading back to Tennessee. And I already said that, didn’t I?”
“Yes, you did. The kiss was nice, thanks, but you don’t need to worry. I won’t show up naked at your hotel door.”
His breath caught.
She grinned, and he understood she knew exactly the effect she was having on him.
“I—” His phone vibrated. “Whoops. Sorry, but I’d better take this. My brothers probably forgot something. Organization isn’t their strong suit. If you’ll excuse me.”
“Sure.”
“Hello? Dad?” As he spoke, he made his way to a gnarly old oak. His father’s voice was gruff, almost as if he’d been crying. Panic grabbed Brant by the throat. “What’s wrong?


 

 

 

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